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How to start homeschooling: your first 30 days

Feeling overwhelmed is the most normal part of starting. You don't need the perfect curriculum or a color-coded year plan — you need a calm first month. Here's a simple path, plus a plain-English look at what your state may require.

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Your first 30 days, week by week

Week 1

Learn your state's rules and make it official

  • Look up your state's homeschool requirements (see the state section below).
  • If your child is in school, follow your state's withdrawal or notice steps — many states need a short letter or form.
  • Save a copy of everything you send. A simple folder becomes the start of your records.

Week 2

Choose a gentle starting approach

  • You don't need a full curriculum on day one. A basic planner or weekly outline is enough to begin.
  • Pick one or two core subjects to start (reading and math are common), and add more once it feels calm.
  • Give yourselves permission to deschool — a short adjustment period is normal for kids leaving a classroom.

Week 3

Set a simple weekly rhythm

  • Choose your teaching days and a rough daily flow — mornings only is a perfectly good start.
  • Plan in small blocks: one week at a time, not the whole year.
  • Build in margin. Appointments, co-op days, and hard days all happen; a flexible rhythm survives them.

Week 4

Start your records habit

  • Jot down what you did each day — a line or two is enough.
  • Keep a few work samples per subject. That's the beginning of a portfolio.
  • Review the month: what worked, what didn't, and one small change for next month.

Homeschool requirements by state

Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but every state sets its own rules. Most requirements fall into five buckets:

Notice of intent

Many states ask you to notify your district or state that you're homeschooling — usually a short annual letter or form.

Required subjects

Some states list subjects you must teach, such as reading, math, science, and social studies.

Days or hours

Some states set a minimum number of instructional days or hours per year.

Assessment

Some states require periodic testing or an evaluation, often starting in certain grades.

Recordkeeping

Attendance, work samples, or progress reports — what you must keep, and for how long, varies by state.

How regulated is your state?

A common way to compare states is by how much they ask of you:

No notice required

13 states require no notification to the district or state: Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming.

Low to moderate

Most other states ask for notice, and sometimes required subjects, days, or records — but no approval process.

Higher regulation

Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island add steps such as approval, detailed plans, or annual evaluations.

Rules change, and the details matter. Always confirm with an official source before you withdraw your child:

This page is general information, not legal advice. Your state's official education department has the final word.

Want the whole start, done for you?

The free 17-page Homeschool Starter Kit walks you through setup, scheduling, and records — and our Template Studio keeps you organized all year.

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